Berry-Sweet Southern Sipper (Print version)
A chilled strawberry Southern sweet tea made with brewed black tea, fresh berries, lemon, and a quick homemade syrup.
# Ingredients:
For the tea
01 -
5 regular black tea bags
02 -
4 cups (950 ml) boiling water
03 -
2 cups (475 ml) cold water
For the strawberry syrup
04 -
1 lb (450 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
05 -
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
06 -
1 cup (240 ml) water
07 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
For serving
08 -
Ice, as needed
09 -
1 lemon, thinly sliced
10 -
1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, halved, for garnish
11 -
Fresh mint sprigs, optional
# Instructions:
01 -
Place the tea bags in a heat-safe pitcher or bowl. Pour 4 cups boiling water over them and steep for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags without squeezing them hard.
02 -
Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the berries soften and the liquid turns deep red.
03 -
Pour the strawberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Press gently to release the syrup, then discard the seeds and pulp or save the pulp for another use.
04 -
Stir the strawberry syrup, brewed tea, 2 cups cold water, and fresh lemon juice together in a large pitcher. Taste and adjust with a little more lemon juice or cold water if needed.
05 -
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until very cold. Stir before serving because the fruit syrup can settle slightly.
06 -
Fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled strawberry sweet tea over the top. Garnish with lemon slices, strawberry halves, and mint if using.
# Good to know:
01 -
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.
02 -
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
03 -
Taste after chilling before adjusting sweetness.